A model of developing the potential of health tourism to promote well-being for older adults in tourist destinations along the Thai-Cambodian border, Sisaket province
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Abstract
The purposes of this research were to 1) assess the potential of health tourism destinations, 2) survey the demand for health tourism activities, and 3) develop health tourism models to promote health for the older adults in Thai-Cambodian border tourist destinations in Sisaket province. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach. The samples included 1) 60 representatives from the public and private sectors, 2) 400 older tourists, and 3) 20 older volunteer tourists. The instruments were 1) an evaluation form, 2) a questionnaire, and 3) a semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive and content analysis techniques. The findings revealed that the overall score of health tourism destination was high (4.06), the highest average rating was attractions, followed by activities, accessibility, facilities, and accommodations. In addition, the main purpose of older tourists was to relax, they travel twice a year to natural destinations. Their family and relatives influenced their decision-making. They preferred traveling independently by private cars and stay overnight, and taking journey as convenient. Their expenditure per trip was over 5,000 THB. They would travel with family/relatives and on their own. The demand for health tourism activities was consisted of Thai massage, aromatic oil therapy, Vipassana meditation, skincare products, herbal health foods and drinks, Thai massage demonstrations, foot massage, herbal compress treatment, yoga or physical exercises, herbal steam baths, massage machines, mineral baths, and fish spa. The study suggested eight health tourism models to promote well-being for older tourists in the Thai-Cambodian border area, Sisaket province. The models included: 1) Thai traditional massage, 2) foot massage, 3) herbal knee and stomach compresses, 4) foot soaking in herbal decoction and walking barefoot on volcanic rocks, 5) practicing 15 Ruesi Dat Ton postures, 6) Buddhist chanting and meditation, 7) vegetarian food and beverages, and 8) herbal health and beauty products.
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